The Japanese television programme Money Tigers inspired the international format adapted as Dragons' Den.
Money Tigers was the original Japanese business-pitch format in which entrepreneurs sought investment from wealthy businesspeople. The concept was later adapted for television audiences in other countries, with the investors receiving different names and the production details changing by territory.
The British version uses “Dragons” for its investors, creating the title Dragons' Den. In the United States, the related adaptation is called Shark Tank, while other countries have used their own local titles and panel identities. These programmes share the core idea of entrepreneurs presenting businesses and negotiating with potential investors.
The source format is often confused with the British or American programmes because the adaptations became internationally prominent. Money Tigers is the name of the Japanese original, not the name of the UK series or a type of investment offered in the den.